July 27

Jeremiah 5 and 6

Today I was speaking to a friend at work who is going through a very difficult
time in his life. He told me that he recently started going to church again and
spends a lot of time in prayer. He said when he goes to church and hears the
message, he feels like the pastor is speaking directly to him. He feels God
speaking to him about his present situation.

In today's reading, God is trying to get the attention of his people.
Unfortunately, they are not listening. They refuse to walk in the way that is
good and refuse to listen the Lord's words (6:16-21). Then God uses stronger
means to get their attention. He will send adversaries after them. Their cities
will be destroyed and all their possessions will be devoured. They will be
forced to serve foreign masters as punishment for forsaking God and His ways
(5:14-19). Despite all their sins, God promises that He will not destroy them
completely. God loves His people and wants what is best for them. He wants them
to learn to walk in the way of good and find rest for their souls.


God still wants these same things for us today. He wants us to walk in His ways
and find rest. When we don't listen, sometimes our lives need to be turned
upside down in order for us to stop and pay attention. My heart breaks for my
friend who is hurting right now, but I am also glad and thankful that his heart
is turning to the Lord. God always wants what is best for us and He wants us to live joyful lives. I hope that we will all learn to listen God and follow His ways so that we can all find rest.